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William Wisting #14
Le Mal en personne: Une enquête de William Wisting
Condamné à vingt et un ans de réclusion pour le meurtre, assorti de viol et d'actes de torture, de plusieurs jeunes femmes, Tom Kerr purge sa peine.Lors d'une reconstitution près de la forêt d'Eftanglandet à laquelle il a accepté de participer, il réussit à s'enfuir malgré des mesures de sécurité renforcées.Manifestement, il a bénéficié d'une complicité. Tout désigne celui que les journalistes ont surnommé "l'Autre" et qui pourrait bien être encore plus dangereux.William Wisting, qui était responsable de l'opération, va devoir non seulement faire face à une sournoise enquête en interne, mais surtout retrouver au plus vite un criminel d'une espèce à part : un individu mû uniquement par le désir et le plaisir de faire le mal.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2019
127 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Jørn Lier Horst
154 books1,632 followersJorn Lier Horst (born in Bamble, Telemark 1970) is a former Senior Investigating Officer at the Norwegian police force. He made his literary debut as a crime writer in 2004 and is considered one of the foremost Nordic crime writers.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
His series of mystery novels starring chief inspector William Wisting provides a detailed and authentic insight into how criminal cases are investigated and how it affects those involved, whether private or professional. The books represent a simple and accurate picture of the modern Nordic societies and is characterized by political and social commentary subtext.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
October 15, 2020
The tension was initiated almost straight away in The Inner Darkness, as the search gets underway for 19 year old Taran Norum’s remains, led by convicted serial killer, Tom Kerr. Kerr is someone who took great pleasure in torturing and dismembering his victims, and he has never revealed Taran’s final resting place - until now.
The story begins with Kerr heading a team of police officers and detectives through an area of thick Norwegian forest. He’s supposedly leading them to the site of Taran’s grave, but after walking and stumbling along various tracks, he manages to evade all security arrangements that have been put in place and escapes. His successful escape came about when detectives decided to remove his leg irons after he’d tripped a couple of times - and so it was that Kerr gained his freedom - but would he carry on where he’d left off?
Investigators were always convinced that Kerr had an accomplice, known to them as ‘The Other One ‘ and it looks like this unknown accomplice has stepped in and set up Kerr’s escape - but who is he/she?
That’s what Chief Inspector William Wisting and his team need to establish, because The Other One is just as dangerous as Kerr - another young woman was found recently with the same MO as Kerr’s murders, and as Kerr was under lock and key at the time, it can only have been committed by The Other One, so there’s double the danger now that it appears they are reunited!
As the frantic search begins to find Kerr and his counterpart, the tension ramps up to an unbearable level, culminating in a heart stopping conclusion. As a former Norwegian police detective, author Jørn Lier Horst is more than qualified to bring us this exciting Cold Case Quartet - definitely a master at work aided by his knowledge of the complexities of the criminal mind. Highly recommended!
* I was invited to read The Inner Darkness by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
The story begins with Kerr heading a team of police officers and detectives through an area of thick Norwegian forest. He’s supposedly leading them to the site of Taran’s grave, but after walking and stumbling along various tracks, he manages to evade all security arrangements that have been put in place and escapes. His successful escape came about when detectives decided to remove his leg irons after he’d tripped a couple of times - and so it was that Kerr gained his freedom - but would he carry on where he’d left off?
Investigators were always convinced that Kerr had an accomplice, known to them as ‘The Other One ‘ and it looks like this unknown accomplice has stepped in and set up Kerr’s escape - but who is he/she?
That’s what Chief Inspector William Wisting and his team need to establish, because The Other One is just as dangerous as Kerr - another young woman was found recently with the same MO as Kerr’s murders, and as Kerr was under lock and key at the time, it can only have been committed by The Other One, so there’s double the danger now that it appears they are reunited!
As the frantic search begins to find Kerr and his counterpart, the tension ramps up to an unbearable level, culminating in a heart stopping conclusion. As a former Norwegian police detective, author Jørn Lier Horst is more than qualified to bring us this exciting Cold Case Quartet - definitely a master at work aided by his knowledge of the complexities of the criminal mind. Highly recommended!
* I was invited to read The Inner Darkness by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
October 7, 2020
Jorn Lier Horst writes a finely detailed police procedural and Scandi-thriller, a multi-layered addition to the Norwegian Chief Inspector William Wisting, based at Larvik police station, with a daughter, ex-journalist single mother, Line, with a young daughter, Amalie. Notorious serial killer of young women, Tom Kerr, torturing, dismembering, bleaching and burying the bodies of his victims, he has been in prison for 4 years, unlikely to ever be released. He was caught and convicted for the killing of 2 women after a failed abduction attempt on Freya Bengtson, but now confesses to the killing of another woman, 19 year old Taran Norum, and is offering to take the police, led by Adrian Stiller of the Kripos Cold Crimes Group, to her burial site in the forest.
Wisting, and his second in command, Nils Hammer are in charge of security, and to Wisting's dismay, Stiller has hired Line to film the police and Kerr, accompanied by his lawyer, Line is obsessed with making a documentary on Kerr. It all ends up in a spectacular disaster when Kerr escapes, removing his handcuffs, acquiring a gun, and tripping off a stun hand grenade that leads to chaos and mayhem resulting in some serious police injuries. This unsurprisingly leads to intense media pressure and fears in the public, a scapegoat is needed as an Internal Affairs investigation is instigated with Chief Inspector Terje Nordbo in charge, a man with a grudge against Wisting which culminates in Wisting and Hammer being suspended.
This does not stop the determined Wisting whose investigation pushes him into looking for the Other One, Kerr's original accomplice who escaped justice, thought to have been responsible for the recent killing of 22 year old Nanna Thoule, with the same MO as Kerr's victims, found buried in a shallow grave. Wisting is driven by the abduction of a young police woman as he races against time to discover her whereabouts. In many ways, Horst's William Wisting is an unusual man in crime fiction, he is a relatively normal police officer without the common dysfunctions so often found in the central character(s) in crime fiction. Despite this, he remains a quietly compulsive and riveting man, professional, efficient and effective as illustrated here, even under the pressures of the Internal Affairs investigation. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Wisting, and his second in command, Nils Hammer are in charge of security, and to Wisting's dismay, Stiller has hired Line to film the police and Kerr, accompanied by his lawyer, Line is obsessed with making a documentary on Kerr. It all ends up in a spectacular disaster when Kerr escapes, removing his handcuffs, acquiring a gun, and tripping off a stun hand grenade that leads to chaos and mayhem resulting in some serious police injuries. This unsurprisingly leads to intense media pressure and fears in the public, a scapegoat is needed as an Internal Affairs investigation is instigated with Chief Inspector Terje Nordbo in charge, a man with a grudge against Wisting which culminates in Wisting and Hammer being suspended.
This does not stop the determined Wisting whose investigation pushes him into looking for the Other One, Kerr's original accomplice who escaped justice, thought to have been responsible for the recent killing of 22 year old Nanna Thoule, with the same MO as Kerr's victims, found buried in a shallow grave. Wisting is driven by the abduction of a young police woman as he races against time to discover her whereabouts. In many ways, Horst's William Wisting is an unusual man in crime fiction, he is a relatively normal police officer without the common dysfunctions so often found in the central character(s) in crime fiction. Despite this, he remains a quietly compulsive and riveting man, professional, efficient and effective as illustrated here, even under the pressures of the Internal Affairs investigation. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
June 25, 2020
With the release of the latest English translation in Jørn Lier Horst’s crime series, I leapt to get my hands on it, hoping for a mystery that would pull me in. I was not disappointed with this well-paced Scandinavian noir crime thriller. The day has come for convicted killer Tom Kerr to help the police. Kerr has agreed to lead the police to the scene of where he dumped one of his as yet undiscovered victims. On hand is William Wisting, head of the Norway’s National Criminal Investigation Service, Kripos, as well as many other officers. Wisting’s daughter, Line, is filming the event, a proud journalist looking for footage to use in a future documentary. While out in the rural forest, Kerr triggers a trip-wire and a number of police are injured, some seriously. Kerr is able to remove his shackles and flees deeper into the woods. It’s apparent that someone helped him orchestrate this escape, as all officers scour the area to locate and recapture Kerr. Some, like Wisting, cannot help but use this experience to substantiate their claims that Kerr always had help during his crimes, an unknown individual given the moniker, the Other One. Without knowing who this could be, everyone is left to wonder if the duo will reunite and continue their killing spree. When a young woman goes missing, there’s little doubt that the similarities from Kerr’s past victims are telling a story here. Wisting is pulled into an internal investigation for his mishandling of the entire Kerr event and his neck is surely on the line. Wisting refuses to give up, knowing that he will have to troll deeply to find out where Kerr may have gone and how the Other One might have helped develop a serial killer, as well as making sure the torch continues to burn brightly. Jørn Lier Horst has done a wonderful job with this latest novel, which will keep the reader hooked until the final pages. Recommended for those who love Scandinavian noir crime thrillers, as well as the reader with a penchant for the work of Jørn Lier Horst.
The complexities of a Scandinavian thriller make for some amazing reading, as I have said many times before. Those who love the crime genre, but are seeking something a little different than the superficial US or UK thrillers that are churned out regularly, ought to take a dive into those based in Scandinavia. I have found so many that give me chills and prove to be of a higher quality. William Wisting is such a wonderful character and I cannot get enough. While he has long since given up offering any backstory, his grit and determination makes him someone worth following as he seeks to get to the heart of the crime. Wisting uses his skills and knowledge of the criminal mind to inch closer and uncover clues that are lost to most everyone else. Those in supporting character roles also offer wonderful support in a series that is so full of twists. Horst offers a handful of returning folks whose presence helps accentuate the work that Wisting does, while also giving their own backstory a slight flavouring. The story itself was unique without being too out there. Horst works the angle from the side of the police and exemplifies the intricacies of Norwegian police procedure to pull the reader into the middle of the story without letting go. Short chapters help propel the story forward and the reader cannot help but read more in order to get to the end and final out how it all comes together. As with many Scandinavian thrillers, the translation into English does not disrupt the flow whatsoever. In fact, the English version is of a higher quality than many of the books I read where that is the language of original publication. As I have asked before (and surely other series fans will echo my query), when will the first five or so novels in this series see an English translation? If they are anything like the wonderful novels that I have been able to read, they need to be released. Those who are curious about trying something Scandinavian, I cannot recommend doing so enough. You won’t regret it, at least if you happen to choose some of the series I have found!
Kudos, Mr. Horst, for another winner. If memory serves, one more left in this cold case sub-series. William Wisting remains masterful and I cannot say enough about the books!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
The complexities of a Scandinavian thriller make for some amazing reading, as I have said many times before. Those who love the crime genre, but are seeking something a little different than the superficial US or UK thrillers that are churned out regularly, ought to take a dive into those based in Scandinavia. I have found so many that give me chills and prove to be of a higher quality. William Wisting is such a wonderful character and I cannot get enough. While he has long since given up offering any backstory, his grit and determination makes him someone worth following as he seeks to get to the heart of the crime. Wisting uses his skills and knowledge of the criminal mind to inch closer and uncover clues that are lost to most everyone else. Those in supporting character roles also offer wonderful support in a series that is so full of twists. Horst offers a handful of returning folks whose presence helps accentuate the work that Wisting does, while also giving their own backstory a slight flavouring. The story itself was unique without being too out there. Horst works the angle from the side of the police and exemplifies the intricacies of Norwegian police procedure to pull the reader into the middle of the story without letting go. Short chapters help propel the story forward and the reader cannot help but read more in order to get to the end and final out how it all comes together. As with many Scandinavian thrillers, the translation into English does not disrupt the flow whatsoever. In fact, the English version is of a higher quality than many of the books I read where that is the language of original publication. As I have asked before (and surely other series fans will echo my query), when will the first five or so novels in this series see an English translation? If they are anything like the wonderful novels that I have been able to read, they need to be released. Those who are curious about trying something Scandinavian, I cannot recommend doing so enough. You won’t regret it, at least if you happen to choose some of the series I have found!
Kudos, Mr. Horst, for another winner. If memory serves, one more left in this cold case sub-series. William Wisting remains masterful and I cannot say enough about the books!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
May 29, 2020
When you read the synopsis for this book, you get a pretty good idea of how it all kicks off. Convicted killer Tom Kerr escapes custody & does so in spectacular fashion. Poor Chief Inspector William Wisting…instead of wrapping up an old case, he’s organizing a massive manhunt.
I was initially a bit worried as I thought the blurb sort of gave the game away. Even as you’re reading about events leading up to Kerr’s escape, you already know what happens. Boy, was I wrong. Several elements combine to make this a story that pulls you in & keeps you squirming in your seat.
First, there’s Kerr’s character. Congratulations are due as I formally nominate him for my annual COTY Award (Creep of the Year). Seriously, this guy made my skin crawl from the get-go. Sociopathic & intelligent…..it’s a deadly combination.
Then there’s the author ability to tell a story. As with all these books, the plot is layered & smart. It ticks along at a good pace with several scenes that will test your fight-or-flight response. But it’s Wisting who makes it such a pleasure to tag along. No flash or OTT drama here. Just a quiet, decent man who also happens to be a good cop.
Among the returning characters is Wisting’s daughter Line. As usual, she’s a bit too smart for her own good & watching her story line develop caused at least one of the knots in my stomach. Also back is the shifty Adrian Stiller. He may be handy in a crisis but I wouldn’t trust him with lunch money.
Kerr’s impressive bid for freedom marks the onset of a low lying tension that slowly builds as the story progresses. We know what Kerr is capable of & the thought he may be back in business is chilling. But the real question is who’s helping him? Chapters alternate between Wisting & Line & their very different POV’s compliment each other as the story unfolds.
This is a straight up police procedural with several twists that may make you second guess how it all pans out. And if you arrive at the final few chapters just before bedtime, good luck getting to sleep anytime soon. Your reading tool kit for this book should include: a bowl of snacks, night vision glasses, water wings, & Tums.
I was initially a bit worried as I thought the blurb sort of gave the game away. Even as you’re reading about events leading up to Kerr’s escape, you already know what happens. Boy, was I wrong. Several elements combine to make this a story that pulls you in & keeps you squirming in your seat.
First, there’s Kerr’s character. Congratulations are due as I formally nominate him for my annual COTY Award (Creep of the Year). Seriously, this guy made my skin crawl from the get-go. Sociopathic & intelligent…..it’s a deadly combination.
Then there’s the author ability to tell a story. As with all these books, the plot is layered & smart. It ticks along at a good pace with several scenes that will test your fight-or-flight response. But it’s Wisting who makes it such a pleasure to tag along. No flash or OTT drama here. Just a quiet, decent man who also happens to be a good cop.
Among the returning characters is Wisting’s daughter Line. As usual, she’s a bit too smart for her own good & watching her story line develop caused at least one of the knots in my stomach. Also back is the shifty Adrian Stiller. He may be handy in a crisis but I wouldn’t trust him with lunch money.
Kerr’s impressive bid for freedom marks the onset of a low lying tension that slowly builds as the story progresses. We know what Kerr is capable of & the thought he may be back in business is chilling. But the real question is who’s helping him? Chapters alternate between Wisting & Line & their very different POV’s compliment each other as the story unfolds.
This is a straight up police procedural with several twists that may make you second guess how it all pans out. And if you arrive at the final few chapters just before bedtime, good luck getting to sleep anytime soon. Your reading tool kit for this book should include: a bowl of snacks, night vision glasses, water wings, & Tums.
August 5, 2021
Book 14 in the William Wisting series Published 2019.
A worthy 4 star read.
Here I go again starting a new series, for me, at book 14. For the most part I tend to be on the anal side when it comes to the chronological order of books but have to admit that that mindset often lets me down.
But the good news is that this particular book can be read as an entertaining stand alone.
It’s been my experience with Scandinavian noir that the main characters tend to be on the introspective side and William Wisting falls right into that mold.
A detective with a lot of experience under his belt and held in some regard by his fellow officers, although he has had a run in with the ethical standards branch in the past.
Tom Kerr, a man who is in prison for some particularly vile sadistic murders, wants to come clean and tell the police where to find the bodies. A multi departmental group is organised to the take Tom Kerr to the burial site and William Wisting is part of that group.
Although security for this outing is on high alert Tom Kerr still, with the help of unknown persons, manages to escape his captors. To say that the shit hit the fan would be an understatement and unfortunately for William Wisting he was standing right in front of the fan when the shit started flying.
Once again William finds himself being investigated by ethical standards.
So the hunt is on to
A. find Tom Kerr.
B. find who assisted Tom Kerr to escape.
C. make good William’s name and reputation.
Before this all ends the life of someone very close to William will be held in the balance.
What follows is an intriguing police procedural with more than a few twists and turns to keep me hooked.
A great read but it might be a good idea to start the series at book one :D
A worthy 4 star read.
Here I go again starting a new series, for me, at book 14. For the most part I tend to be on the anal side when it comes to the chronological order of books but have to admit that that mindset often lets me down.
But the good news is that this particular book can be read as an entertaining stand alone.
It’s been my experience with Scandinavian noir that the main characters tend to be on the introspective side and William Wisting falls right into that mold.
A detective with a lot of experience under his belt and held in some regard by his fellow officers, although he has had a run in with the ethical standards branch in the past.
Tom Kerr, a man who is in prison for some particularly vile sadistic murders, wants to come clean and tell the police where to find the bodies. A multi departmental group is organised to the take Tom Kerr to the burial site and William Wisting is part of that group.
Although security for this outing is on high alert Tom Kerr still, with the help of unknown persons, manages to escape his captors. To say that the shit hit the fan would be an understatement and unfortunately for William Wisting he was standing right in front of the fan when the shit started flying.
Once again William finds himself being investigated by ethical standards.
So the hunt is on to
A. find Tom Kerr.
B. find who assisted Tom Kerr to escape.
C. make good William’s name and reputation.
Before this all ends the life of someone very close to William will be held in the balance.
What follows is an intriguing police procedural with more than a few twists and turns to keep me hooked.
A great read but it might be a good idea to start the series at book one :D
August 16, 2025
Un bon gros 4,25 ⭐️
Ça faisait longtemps que je n’avais pas lu un aussi bon roman policier.
ET J’AJOUTE : roman policier qui ne va pas dans la caricature. Rare, mais vrai ! 👏🏻
Le roman fait partie d’une longue série de livres qui met de l’avant certains membres d’une équipe d’enquêteurs. J’aurais pensé que cela m’aurait nuit. Pas du tout ! Chaque histoire semble pouvoir se lire de manière indépendante.
🖤 premier roman de cet auteur. Je ne regrette paaaaaas du tout. Son écriture est rythmée, bien balancée et malgré la traduction, j’ai vraiment l’impression d’avoir eu accès à ses pensées.
Ce que j’aime aimé :
- dialogues très bien construits, facile de s’y repérer malgré la quantité, vraiment bien punchés
- les personnages (surprennament) sont vrmt attachants. Une force chez les auteurs scandinaves peut-être ? J’ai toujours tendance à préférer leurs enquêteurs / journalistes / familles / détectives / etc que ceux créés chez nos voisins américains.
- le thème du mal et de la cruauté. Ça me fascine. C’est glauque, mais ça me fascine quand même.
- les silences qui nous donnent l’impression de pouvoir enquêter aussi. Je ne sais pas comment le dire, mais j’ai eu l’impression d’avoir de l’espace pour réfléchir dans ce roman.
- les fils conducteurs et les impasses. J’ai été menée en bateau jusqu’au trois quart du livre avant que mes théories puissent se préciser ou se concrétiser. Et en y repensant, j’avais manqué de minis indices plausibles. J’adore !
😌 les minis points en moins :
- les noms des personnages sont difficiles à retenir vu leur sonorité / leur orthographie. C’est vraiment moi le problème, mais mon manque de référent pour les noms norvégiens me faisaient douter de ma mémoire régulièrement.
- le passage avec le psychiatre. J’en aurais pris 30 pages de plus. J’aime ça les analyses de dossiers pis de modus operandi. J’en voulais davantage !
- le personnage de la journaliste, Line : j’aurais aimé plus d’infos sur ses façons de réfléchir à partir du milieu du roman. Je crois qu’elle fait partie des personnages qui reviennent dans d’autres récits. C’est sûrement pour ça qu’on en apprend par bribes. C’est bébé de ma part, mais j’en aurais voulu plus la concernant !
Heureux constat : je DOIS lire d’autres romans de cet auteur 🤝🏻💕
Ça faisait longtemps que je n’avais pas lu un aussi bon roman policier.
ET J’AJOUTE : roman policier qui ne va pas dans la caricature. Rare, mais vrai ! 👏🏻
Le roman fait partie d’une longue série de livres qui met de l’avant certains membres d’une équipe d’enquêteurs. J’aurais pensé que cela m’aurait nuit. Pas du tout ! Chaque histoire semble pouvoir se lire de manière indépendante.
🖤 premier roman de cet auteur. Je ne regrette paaaaaas du tout. Son écriture est rythmée, bien balancée et malgré la traduction, j’ai vraiment l’impression d’avoir eu accès à ses pensées.
Ce que j’aime aimé :
- dialogues très bien construits, facile de s’y repérer malgré la quantité, vraiment bien punchés
- les personnages (surprennament) sont vrmt attachants. Une force chez les auteurs scandinaves peut-être ? J’ai toujours tendance à préférer leurs enquêteurs / journalistes / familles / détectives / etc que ceux créés chez nos voisins américains.
- le thème du mal et de la cruauté. Ça me fascine. C’est glauque, mais ça me fascine quand même.
- les silences qui nous donnent l’impression de pouvoir enquêter aussi. Je ne sais pas comment le dire, mais j’ai eu l’impression d’avoir de l’espace pour réfléchir dans ce roman.
- les fils conducteurs et les impasses. J’ai été menée en bateau jusqu’au trois quart du livre avant que mes théories puissent se préciser ou se concrétiser. Et en y repensant, j’avais manqué de minis indices plausibles. J’adore !
😌 les minis points en moins :
- les noms des personnages sont difficiles à retenir vu leur sonorité / leur orthographie. C’est vraiment moi le problème, mais mon manque de référent pour les noms norvégiens me faisaient douter de ma mémoire régulièrement.
- le passage avec le psychiatre. J’en aurais pris 30 pages de plus. J’aime ça les analyses de dossiers pis de modus operandi. J’en voulais davantage !
- le personnage de la journaliste, Line : j’aurais aimé plus d’infos sur ses façons de réfléchir à partir du milieu du roman. Je crois qu’elle fait partie des personnages qui reviennent dans d’autres récits. C’est sûrement pour ça qu’on en apprend par bribes. C’est bébé de ma part, mais j’en aurais voulu plus la concernant !
Heureux constat : je DOIS lire d’autres romans de cet auteur 🤝🏻💕
November 26, 2020
The Inner Darkness is the third instalment in The Cold Case Quartet series, featuring Norwegian stalwart Chief Inspector William Wisting, based out of Larvik police station. A "cold" case becomes hot again when the remains of a young girl are found by a hiker in a forest in Svartskog. She has been killed and dismembered utilising a gruesome signature eerily reminiscent of serial killer Tom Kerr's modus operandi. But Kerr is currently serving his fourth year behind bars and couldn't possibly have committed the murder. All indications are that the man the media christened The Other, Kerr's never-identified assistant, is behind it. Meanwhile, Kripos and Adrian Stiller are preparing for a reconstruction where Kerr will show them where they can find the body of a girl he has recently confessed to have killed. The hiding place and makeshift burial ground is located at Eftang, in Wisting's police district, and he is responsible for security during the reconstruction. In addition, Stiller has recruited his daughter, freelance photographer Line, and given her the task of documenting it all. But something goes terribly wrong during the reconstruction, and Wisting is left to accept the responsibility for an escaped serial killer and several injured policemen, as he is made the scapegoat. Again, both Tom Kerr and The Other are free once more to play their wicked games.
Once again, Horst returns with another compulsive, chilling and atmospheric piece of crime fiction in a series that has been one of my favourites of the past few years as it is exceptional. He is an imaginative and superb writer who weaves a tale of evil and does so in a refreshingly original manner. I love that the reader gets a dual narrative, which switches seamlessly, and the meticulously described police work made for fascinating reading. This instalment, even though still classed as slow-burn, was a little pacier than the previous two and the dynamic investigation unfolded as the book proceeded. We get to see things through the eyes of both Wisting and his daughter, Line, learning the unravelling information alongside them. It's a compelling and engrossing tale from beginning to end and the remote, chilly backdrop of scenic Norway created an added tension which was palpable throughout. Horst delivers everything in his no-nonsense, straight-shooting prose making for an engaging, entertaining and highly enjoyable reading experience with none of the unnecessary fluff and padding you find in so many books these days. Everything included in the storyline has a distinct purpose, has been well thought through and provides plenty of intrigue. This is a riveting, multilayered thriller with enough twists, reveals and page-turning developments to keep you glued to the pages until the climax. Highly recommended.
Once again, Horst returns with another compulsive, chilling and atmospheric piece of crime fiction in a series that has been one of my favourites of the past few years as it is exceptional. He is an imaginative and superb writer who weaves a tale of evil and does so in a refreshingly original manner. I love that the reader gets a dual narrative, which switches seamlessly, and the meticulously described police work made for fascinating reading. This instalment, even though still classed as slow-burn, was a little pacier than the previous two and the dynamic investigation unfolded as the book proceeded. We get to see things through the eyes of both Wisting and his daughter, Line, learning the unravelling information alongside them. It's a compelling and engrossing tale from beginning to end and the remote, chilly backdrop of scenic Norway created an added tension which was palpable throughout. Horst delivers everything in his no-nonsense, straight-shooting prose making for an engaging, entertaining and highly enjoyable reading experience with none of the unnecessary fluff and padding you find in so many books these days. Everything included in the storyline has a distinct purpose, has been well thought through and provides plenty of intrigue. This is a riveting, multilayered thriller with enough twists, reveals and page-turning developments to keep you glued to the pages until the climax. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2021
After serving four years of his life sentence, serial killer Tom Kerr agrees to show the police where the body of one of his victims is buried. Yet, despite the most stringent security precautions being put in place, Kerr manages to escape before any body is located.
Most of the rest of the novel involves not just the search for Kerr, but also his, as yet unknown accomplice, simply known as The Other One.
This is not just an intricately plotted police procedural but also a highly engrossing psychological thriller in the author’s usual highly assured style.
Most of the rest of the novel involves not just the search for Kerr, but also his, as yet unknown accomplice, simply known as The Other One.
This is not just an intricately plotted police procedural but also a highly engrossing psychological thriller in the author’s usual highly assured style.
January 6, 2021
Third in the series featuring Norwegian detective DCI William Wisting of the Telemark Police, finds him and 2IC Nils Hammer in the role of observers as sadistic rapist and killer Thomas Kerr, is taken from prison handcuffed and wearing a leg iron, to lead police to where the remains of another victim are buried – in exchange for a transfer to a less high security prison. On the scene is Kerr’s lawyer, and Adrian Stiller, the ambitious young detective attached to the Kripos Cold Crimes Group in Oslo, noted for his unorthodox methods – and Wisting’s own daughter, Line, a former journalist and now a documentary film-maker.
When Kerr manages to escape, a manhunt is set in train, to recapture him before he can offend again. Questions are asked: who knew, and who helped in his escape from within the prison service or from outside, with Internal Affairs sheeting blame in Wisting’s direction, and not for the first time. The bigger question remains: Kerr was believed to have an accomplice – known only as “The Other Man” – and the escape might have been deliberately engineered to bring this unknown to justice.
Red herrings and false starts abound as the author’s background in criminal investigation, plus local knowledge of the area south-west of Oslo, brings a ring of authenticity to this tale. Stood down, Wisting pieces everything together, to unmask a clever and cynical villain manipulating everyone around him. With another victim selected and taken it is a race against time to find her, and Wisting’s daughter Line, her toddler in tow, are next in line.
This chiller works well as a standalone, though I recommend reading other titles translated from the Norwegian, The Katharina Code: The Cold Case Quartet, Book 1 and The Cabin.
When Kerr manages to escape, a manhunt is set in train, to recapture him before he can offend again. Questions are asked: who knew, and who helped in his escape from within the prison service or from outside, with Internal Affairs sheeting blame in Wisting’s direction, and not for the first time. The bigger question remains: Kerr was believed to have an accomplice – known only as “The Other Man” – and the escape might have been deliberately engineered to bring this unknown to justice.
Red herrings and false starts abound as the author’s background in criminal investigation, plus local knowledge of the area south-west of Oslo, brings a ring of authenticity to this tale. Stood down, Wisting pieces everything together, to unmask a clever and cynical villain manipulating everyone around him. With another victim selected and taken it is a race against time to find her, and Wisting’s daughter Line, her toddler in tow, are next in line.
This chiller works well as a standalone, though I recommend reading other titles translated from the Norwegian, The Katharina Code: The Cold Case Quartet, Book 1 and The Cabin.
May 31, 2021
Усе починається зі слідчого експерименту, в ході якого засуджений серійний вбивця згодився показати місце захоронення однієї зі своїх жертв. Ми передбачаємо, що він утече і він втікає. А далі лишається шукати його і спільника, ім’я якого так і не вдалося ідентифікувати під час розслідування.
Хороший початок для детективного серіалу. Хороший початок для книги. Хороший початок для знайомства з автором.
Хороший початок для детективного серіалу. Хороший початок для книги. Хороший початок для знайомства з автором.
September 27, 2022
Weer ontzettend genoten van een boek van deze auteur.
Af en toe op het verkeerde been gezet ,maar zo hoort het ook.
En een heel spannend einde.
Kijk al uit naar het volgende deel.
Af en toe op het verkeerde been gezet ,maar zo hoort het ook.
En een heel spannend einde.
Kijk al uit naar het volgende deel.
July 27, 2022
William Wisting's series is one of my favorites. The Inner Darkness is book 14, in which Chief Inspector William Wisting searches for the last victim of serial killer Tom Kerr. Unfortunately, Kerr escapes during his trip to the forest, and it seems that he had some help with the escape. Now Wisting must find the killer before he strikes again, as well as find the aide who helped him.
While not my favorite in the series, The Inner Darkness is still an engaging and interesting crime novel. The ending was a letdown for me since I figured it out easily. Despite that, it is a very worthwhile book that I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
While not my favorite in the series, The Inner Darkness is still an engaging and interesting crime novel. The ending was a letdown for me since I figured it out easily. Despite that, it is a very worthwhile book that I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys crime fiction.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
June 13, 2024
Este livro foi muito chato. Gostei tanto do anterior e estava tão entusiasmada por ler este e foi uma desilusão tão grande.
Os últimos capítulos já só li na diagonal..
Os últimos capítulos já só li na diagonal..
November 30, 2025
A bit over complicated in places but otherwise a compelling read.
September 1, 2025
3.75 stars. Spannend deel dat toch weer een onverwachte wending had. De nogal grafische beschrijvingen tegen het einde hadden van mij wel wat minder gemogen.
May 10, 2020
Scandinavian noir at its very best. Jorn Lier Horst just keeps getting better and better.
'The Inner Darkness' is certainly an apt title for this novel as it is surely one of William Wisting's darkest and most chilling cases and brings him and his family closer to danger than ever before.
As always Horst takes us to the horrors that lurk below the calm surface of Norwegian society and the sense of place and landscape permeates it throughout.
The denouement is nail-biting and shocking. A tour-de-force from an accomplished writer at the height of his powers.
'The Inner Darkness' is certainly an apt title for this novel as it is surely one of William Wisting's darkest and most chilling cases and brings him and his family closer to danger than ever before.
As always Horst takes us to the horrors that lurk below the calm surface of Norwegian society and the sense of place and landscape permeates it throughout.
The denouement is nail-biting and shocking. A tour-de-force from an accomplished writer at the height of his powers.
September 11, 2020
Czasem zastanawiam się, i bynajmniej nie robię tego z wrodzonej mi złośliwości, ile książek z jednego cyklu trzeba napisać, żeby wreszcie zaliczyć wpadkę. Jørn Lier Horst mi na to pytanie nie odpowie, czternasta powieść z Williamem Wistingiem jest bowiem kolejną udaną pozycją w dorobku norweskiego pisarza. A jednocześnie inną, bardziej mroczną i przygnębiającą, wyraźnie naprowadzającą cykl na nowe tory fabularne.
https://blankakatarzynadzugaj.wordpre...
https://blankakatarzynadzugaj.wordpre...
May 25, 2024
Muito bom!
May 16, 2021
Za seba môžem povedať, že zbožňujem nórske detektívky. Nechávajú Vás v napätí do poslednej chvíle a táto kniha nebola výnimkou. Podrobne opísané detaily, pekne opísané scenérie a mráz po chrbte nechýbal. V určitých momentoch som knižku odťahovala od seba, že toto je už celkom brutalita ale v konečnom dôsledku som sa od nej nevedela odlepiť. Odporúčam každému, kto má rád nórske detektívky a komu sa páči aj Samuel Bjørk, majú podobný štýl písania kníh.
June 22, 2020
Its interesting that I finished season 1 of Bosch where the premise was kinda similar. Convict is taken to a site to help them with some murders, being filmed etc but said convict escapes. Twists occur throughout but I never really felt like it got out of 3rd gear. I used to read Nordic noir quite a bit ( especially when it exploded a few years back) but i guess there was a reason i slowed down
September 1, 2024
4.3 apesar de uma parte inicial previsível, seguiu-se um óptimo enredo e final. Jorn Lier Horst não desilude ❤️
January 1, 2022
30 DEC 2021 - my last read of 2021 - I know this will be a Greatread!
1 JAN 2022 - Terrific! So well-written, peopled with great characters, and an absorbing storyline. Now I must wait for Book No. 4.
1 JAN 2022 - Terrific! So well-written, peopled with great characters, and an absorbing storyline. Now I must wait for Book No. 4.
August 19, 2025
Weer een fijne thriller van Horst. Vlot geschreven, spannend verhaal en snel uit. Op naar het volgende deel in de serie.
May 16, 2020
Zo série Odložený prípad sa mi tento diel zdal zatiaľ najtemnejší. Opäť viac akcie, viac dramatických momentov. Ale čítalo sa to výborne.
November 29, 2020
This series of Scandi crime stories have become as comfortable as a snuggly sofa next to a roaring fire on a chilly winter afternoon. If you’ve read Jørn Lier Horst’s earlier mysteries or seen episodes of the Wisting TV series then you’ll know exactly what to expect. Thoughtful crime fiction which revolves around the relationship between Norwegian police detective Wisting and his adult daughter, Line.
This is an entirely intriguing story, one which could’ve stood entirely on its own. A convicted felon, a multiple murderer, finally offers to reveal the grave site of one of his undiscovered victims. Wisting has his doubts, and is presented with the poisoned chalice of being the officer in charge of the escapade – which rapidly turns into an escape.
A cold-blooded killer is unleashed, and it seems that his original accomplice is waiting in the wings. A massive manhunt follows to track the two murderers before they can flee across international borders – or commit another gruesome crime.
Wisting and Line, in parallel and separate investigations, examine the old, cold cases, searching for the identity of the unknown accomplice. This is a carefully constructed and satisfying mystery, replete with red herrings (possibly pickled, as this is Scandinavia after all), dead ends and misleading evidence.
Despite the book’s title, which suggests melancholic soul-searching at midnight, The Inner Darkness steers clear of deep philosophical waters. It’s a precisely plotted police procedural; cleanly translated and easy to read. Although I’m a little weary of the father / daughter plot device, the narrative is deftly delivered and there’s little about Wisting to dislike. Solidly enjoyable entertainment which is oddly reassuring in these troubling times.
8/10
There are (many!) more of my reviews of crime/thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
This is an entirely intriguing story, one which could’ve stood entirely on its own. A convicted felon, a multiple murderer, finally offers to reveal the grave site of one of his undiscovered victims. Wisting has his doubts, and is presented with the poisoned chalice of being the officer in charge of the escapade – which rapidly turns into an escape.
A cold-blooded killer is unleashed, and it seems that his original accomplice is waiting in the wings. A massive manhunt follows to track the two murderers before they can flee across international borders – or commit another gruesome crime.
Wisting and Line, in parallel and separate investigations, examine the old, cold cases, searching for the identity of the unknown accomplice. This is a carefully constructed and satisfying mystery, replete with red herrings (possibly pickled, as this is Scandinavia after all), dead ends and misleading evidence.
Despite the book’s title, which suggests melancholic soul-searching at midnight, The Inner Darkness steers clear of deep philosophical waters. It’s a precisely plotted police procedural; cleanly translated and easy to read. Although I’m a little weary of the father / daughter plot device, the narrative is deftly delivered and there’s little about Wisting to dislike. Solidly enjoyable entertainment which is oddly reassuring in these troubling times.
8/10
There are (many!) more of my reviews of crime/thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
May 11, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK - Michael Joseph for an advance copy of The Inner Darkness, the third novel in the Cold Case Quartet to feature Norwegian detective William Wisting.
When serial killer Tom Kerr decides to reveal the burial site of one of his victims Wisting is drafted in to supervise. It’s not his case but the site is in his region and then it is his case when Kerr makes a well planned escape. The hunt is on to find Kerr and his accomplice.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Inner Darkness which is a compelling read, told in A no frills tone. It is told from Wisting and his daughter Line’s point of view. Line, a former journalist, was the videographer during the escape. This means that the reader has the same information as the investigators and is free to interpret it in any way. My interpretations led me to suspect just about everyone except the perpetrator so I won’t be giving up the day job any time soon! I like a well camouflaged perpetrator as it sustains the interest and whets the appetite for more information. The escape of a violent offender is not a unique plot line but how he does it probably is and the ensuing investigation is fascinating with reveals and more questions in every chapter.
What I really like about this novel and the other books in the series is the realistic portrayal of the Police, their professionalism, the tools they have available and the sheer weight and relentlessness of their investigation. Sure, there are personality issues and a cumbersome bureaucracy but on the whole it is a fearsome machine when used correctly. I also find the no nonsense tone and attitude very appealing. There are descriptions of horrible violence but there is no dwelling on them, it’s more a case of “it happened, what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?”.
The juxtaposition of narratives between Line and her father is interesting. He keeps much of what he’s thinking to himself and has a cool, logical approach. Lina is more emotional, rash and impetuous in her approach. I can see certain stereotypes in this description but it comes across in the novel as more experience versus youth.
The Inner Darkness is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When serial killer Tom Kerr decides to reveal the burial site of one of his victims Wisting is drafted in to supervise. It’s not his case but the site is in his region and then it is his case when Kerr makes a well planned escape. The hunt is on to find Kerr and his accomplice.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Inner Darkness which is a compelling read, told in A no frills tone. It is told from Wisting and his daughter Line’s point of view. Line, a former journalist, was the videographer during the escape. This means that the reader has the same information as the investigators and is free to interpret it in any way. My interpretations led me to suspect just about everyone except the perpetrator so I won’t be giving up the day job any time soon! I like a well camouflaged perpetrator as it sustains the interest and whets the appetite for more information. The escape of a violent offender is not a unique plot line but how he does it probably is and the ensuing investigation is fascinating with reveals and more questions in every chapter.
What I really like about this novel and the other books in the series is the realistic portrayal of the Police, their professionalism, the tools they have available and the sheer weight and relentlessness of their investigation. Sure, there are personality issues and a cumbersome bureaucracy but on the whole it is a fearsome machine when used correctly. I also find the no nonsense tone and attitude very appealing. There are descriptions of horrible violence but there is no dwelling on them, it’s more a case of “it happened, what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?”.
The juxtaposition of narratives between Line and her father is interesting. He keeps much of what he’s thinking to himself and has a cool, logical approach. Lina is more emotional, rash and impetuous in her approach. I can see certain stereotypes in this description but it comes across in the novel as more experience versus youth.
The Inner Darkness is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 24, 2019
Meget god! Den beviser igrunnen at eg liker ikkje å lese krim etter mørkets frembrudd for psykologien og dei kjappe kapitla skremmer vannet av meg.
Min blogganmeldelse: https://serieavhengig.blogspot.com/20...
Min blogganmeldelse: https://serieavhengig.blogspot.com/20...
December 21, 2020
Efter att ha läst nio böcker av Lier Horst måste jag säga att denna var en av de sämre. Mesta delen av boken är polisen ute och springer efter en förrymd fånge som försvinner under en vallning precis i början. Det gör att det blir tråkigt och långsamt och att spänningen aldrig infinner sig.
Sedan har jag väldigt lätt för att förutse slutet men det behöver inte alltid vara en dålig sak.
William Wisting är inte längre på hugget utan hans dotter Line, som är frilansjournalist och fotograf, får ta oförtjänt mycket plats.
Nej, ruska på huvudet, ta en kalldusch och kom igen med lite nyare idéer, Jørn.
Betyg: 2 källarluckor under mattan av 5
Sedan har jag väldigt lätt för att förutse slutet men det behöver inte alltid vara en dålig sak.
William Wisting är inte längre på hugget utan hans dotter Line, som är frilansjournalist och fotograf, får ta oförtjänt mycket plats.
Nej, ruska på huvudet, ta en kalldusch och kom igen med lite nyare idéer, Jørn.
Betyg: 2 källarluckor under mattan av 5
May 1, 2020
would like to thank netgally and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book
i am really liking this series,
an escaped prisoner
a grenade and gunshots
all this happened when wisting and a few others were letting the prisoner take them to the spot where he had left a body
how and why had it all be arranged, not many were in on it
but suddenly wisting is being made the scapegoat
oh my edge of your seat stuff....didnt see that ending coming, this series just gets better and better
i am really liking this series,
an escaped prisoner
a grenade and gunshots
all this happened when wisting and a few others were letting the prisoner take them to the spot where he had left a body
how and why had it all be arranged, not many were in on it
but suddenly wisting is being made the scapegoat
oh my edge of your seat stuff....didnt see that ending coming, this series just gets better and better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews